Reference

摘要

The term gazetteer is usually defined as a geographical index or dictionary, which is simply an alphabetical listing of places or physical and cultural features. More extensive gazetteers also incorporate brief descriptions into the listings. This authoritative A-to-Z work with a global scope is the latter. First published in 1998 and edited by Cohen, a noted political geographer and past president of the Association of American Geographers, this massive revision offers new entries and maps, updated population figures, and an expanded glossary, all reflecting the input of leading geographical scholars. The 170,000-plus entries cover political, physical, and special places, including monuments and historic sites. There are over 40,000 entries on the United States alone.rnThe population figures are taken from the last official census or the most recent available figures. Taking into account the vast increase of the world's population, along with changed place names and colossal geographical changes, this is a significant undertaking. The length of entries varies from brief listings (e.g., Saint Kilda, a small island in New Zealand) to full essays (e.g., North Korea). HistoricaEy accurate, this title can be considered a reference standard. Yet keep in mind that the three thick, information-packed volumes demand valuable shelf space and may prove difficult to navigate.